The Survival Mindset: A Two-Decade Retrospective

Introduction

SurvivalBlog is now in its 20th calendar year. I began posting the blog in August, 2005.  That was just a few weeks before Hurricane Katrina. Over the past two decades, I’ve had many opportunities to write about what I generally term The Survival Mindset. The following is a mashup and updates to four brief blog essays that I wrote and posted in SurvivalBlog in November, 2005 and in April, 2006:

Prepper Angst

Many of my recent consulting clients have mentioned the same feeling of unease about the coming years. Perhaps it is just the general predisposition of my consulting clientele, but they nearly all say things to the effect of “I’ve always been well prepared, but now I consider myself under-prepared, because I feel like something big is coming.” One American client summed it up best when he told me, “I get the impression that I’m living in September of 1929 or November of 1941. Something macro scale is approaching, and I want to be in the right place and to be well-provisioned when it happens.”

Certainly, recent international events (Iran’s posturing and threats, sectarian strife in Iraq, etc.) are cause for alarm, as is the mountain of debt (both public and private) that is looming. Gold is seen as a refuge in times of war or currency chaos, and the fact that gold and other commodities are soaring is indicative that a growing number of savvy investors see trouble coming–especially for the dollar as a currency unit.

[Update for 2025:  When I wrote that in April, 2006, the spot price of gold was around $582 per Troy ounce. As I’m writing this, spot gold is at $3,388.50.]

Whether it will be just another economic head cold or whether it will be double pneumonia remains to be seen. Similarly, wars and major terrorist attacks are difficult to presage. I can’t in good conscience make unfounded predictions. In fact, I cannot say anything with certainty other than that tomorrow will not be like today. We are living in turbulent times, so it is prudent to prepare.Continue reading“The Survival Mindset: A Two-Decade Retrospective”

SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, news about some tax cuts and some tax increases.  (See the Region-Wide section and the Montana section.)

Region-Wide

Op-Ed: Montana, Idaho join the ‘record’ tax cut club while Washington imposes a ‘historic’ tax increase. The piece begins:

“If there was a theme for the 2025 Legislative Sessions in our region, it was major tax changes. On the negative side of the ledger are the “historic” tax increases rammed through in Washington state. On the positive side are the “record” tax cuts enacted in Idaho and Montana.”

o  o  o

60-Day Extended Weather Forecast for Spokane and Intermountain West.

Idaho

New details released on crash near Yellowstone that killed 7.

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Horse owners urged to vaccinate as West Nile virus threat looms in southwest Idaho.

o  o  o

World’s tallest and smallest dogs meet up for a playdate.

o  o  o

North Idaho man sentenced under new AI-generated child porn law.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The grass will grow in the streets of a hundred cities, a thousand towns.” –  President Herbert Hoover, from a speech given on 31 October 1932. (as quoted in ‘State Papers of Herbert Hoover’ (1934) vol. 2, p. 418, commenting on proposals ‘to reduce the protective tariff to a competitive tariff for revenue’.)

Preparedness Notes for Monday — May 5, 2025

Today, May 5th, 2025 is the 75th birthday of Michael Bane. Born on May 5, 1950, Bane is an author, firearms trainer, television host, and the host of the longest-running firearms podcast:  MBTV – On the Radio.  A proto-prepper, Michael Bane lives in an off-grid home in rural Colorado. Mr. Bane was also the basis of the “Michael Blessing” character in James Tarr’s zombie novel trilogy. Michael Bane’s website–michaelbane.tv–is the place to find his podcast, his blog, and his superb video series: Triggered. It is highly recommended.
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We are announcing a change to the First Prize package in the SurvivalBlog nonfiction writing contest prizes: HSM Ammunition in Montana had been providing a $250 gift certificate. They’ve just generously increased that to a $350 gift certificate.

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We are continuing our special 10-day sale on all of the Elk Creek Company percussion gun inventory.  Most of these are revolvers for which cartridge conversion cylinders are readily available. This includes a group of five minty Ruger Old Army revolvers that I’ve not yet photographed. Many of those are “Pre-Warning” vintage.  We also have special pricing on all of our blackpowder hunting rifles. Most of those are .50 caliber rifles in the quite practical Hawken configuration. Take a look at our Percussion category!

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Today’s feature article is a review that was penned by SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson.

Demko Knives Shark-Cub AUS10A Clip Point, by Thomas Christianson

The Demko Knives Shark-Cub AUS10A Clip Point is a handy folding knife with an innovative locking mechanism. That mechanism makes it easy to deploy the shaving-sharp, 2.75 inch, stone-washed, clip-point, AUS10A blade with a flick of the wrist. The black, glass-reinforced-nylon, steel-lined handle is ergonomically shaped and nicely textured for a secure grip. The ambidextrous deep pocket clip carries the knife securely and discreetly while keeping it easily accessible.

This Taiwanese-made knife cost $89.99 at the time of this writing at DemkoKnives.com.  It is a well-designed and well-made knife for everyday carry. If you are looking for a sturdy, practical and sharp everyday carry (EDC) knife, this one would be a good choice.Continue reading“Demko Knives Shark-Cub AUS10A Clip Point, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Garlicky Corn & Tomato

The following recipe for a Garlicky Corn & Tomato is from SurvivalBlog reader R.E., who says: “This a great summer recipe for your garden produce. It takes just 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes to cook.  This makes a great side dish.”

Ingredients

  • 4 Ears of raw corn on the cob (about 2 cups of corn)

  • 4 medium sized tomatoes

  • 1 small bunch (a handful) of fresh basil

  • 3-4 cloves of garlic (peeled and minced) — or less, to taste

  • Salt, to taste

  • Pepper, to taste

  • 1/4 cup of water

Directions
  1. Cut the raw kernels off the cobs
  2. In a medium sauté pan, melt about a teaspoon of butter, add garlic, and cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add fresh corn and water. Cook for about 5 minutes
  4. Add chopped tomatoes
  5. Add some salt and pepper.
  6. Cook for 10 more minutes uncovered on medium to high heat.
  7. Add fresh basil.
  8. Stir well and finish cooking for two more minutes.

SERVING

Serve hot or cold. Serves four adults.

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Do you have a well-tested recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long-term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven recipes, slow cooker recipes, and any recipes that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — May 4, 2025

May 4th is now informally known as “Star Wars Day”, because of a silly play on words: “May The Fourth Be With You.”

May 4th 1943 – A patent for helicopter controls was obtained by Igor Sikorsky. Sikorsky invented fixed-winged and multi-engined aircraft, transoceanic flying boats, and helicopters.

On May 4, 1415, reformers John Wycliffe and Jan Hus were condemned as heretics at the Council of Constance. The death of Hus inspired the later Hussite revolution in Bohemia.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 118 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 3Vgear.com is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag, a Posse EDC Sling Pack, and a Velox II Tactical Backpack. This prize package has a $289 retail value.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 ends on May 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.

Temporary Emergency Roofing, by A.F.

As we drove home from church this morning, signs of damage from hurricanes Debby and Helene were still abundant though the storms are now more that six months behind us. Since Debby, I have been watching for signs of repairs at a home where one corner took a tree strike that busted the roof wide open. Within the past week it appears someone has at last replaced the lightweight basic blue tarp with a heavier option, although the new one is only secured with roofing nails every 4-5 feet around the perimeter. Many of the remaining tarps are reaching the end of their service life or have been frayed or torn loose by the wind and not re-secured. As a result of witnessing roof damage so often while volunteering with disaster relief, I have put together an emergency roofing kit and hope to describe the contents and the reasons behind my selections herein.

Disclosure: I do not claim any of the repair techniques presented as being uniquely my own. I have learned much of what follows from fellow workers and occasionally solve new problems as encountered, but others were serving in the tarping ministry and developing practices long before I became involved.Continue reading“Temporary Emergency Roofing, by A.F.”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR, based on an idea suggested by SurvivalBlog reader C.B.:

Meme Text:

So, Do You Prefer Open Carry…

...Or Concealed Carry?

News Links:

Notes From JWR: Do you have a meme idea? Just e-mail me the concept, and I’ll try to assemble it. And if it is posted then I’ll give you credit. Thanks!

Permission to repost memes that I’ve created is granted, provided that credit to SurvivalBlog.com is included.

 

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” – James 5:10-20 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — May 3, 2025

On May 3, 1621, after confessing to corruption, Lord Chancellor of England Francis Bacon was sentenced to imprisonment in the Tower of London, a £40,000 fine, and banishment from court, Parliament, and public office.

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May 3rd, 1952 was the birthday of Pastor Chuck Baldwin. He has done yeoman service in promoting the American Redoubt movement.

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Today’s feature article was too short to be included in the judging for Round 118 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 ends on May 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.

Old School Commo: EE-8 Field Phones, by Tunnel Rabbit

Because I know how easy it is to use a USB SDR Dongle (a poor man’s spectrum analyzer) to find radio transmissions, and how drones might be used to DF signals, I’d rather use hard wire field phones whenever possible, and certainly on those occasions when, or if a drone might be in my remote area. Using low-powered transceivers and directional antennas can be effective in most situations.  But in extreme situations, I would use a field phone if at all possible, and to conduct daily communications with LP/OPs, and with neighbors.

Field phones are part of my commo plan and will be used alongside transceivers and at our primary LP/OP.  It would become the primary means if the threat condition were very high. Transceivers would still be useful, but only in a tactical situation. With a field phone, normal conversations can occur as it is truly a secure means of communication. And these can be used from house to house as an intercom, as well.  If at all possible, it is best to lower our RF footprint to the bare minimum.  Not only are field phones  incredibly durable, but they also use a negligible amount of power — far less than a transceiver.

Old Tech, But Reliable

Recently, I acquired two EE-8 field phones in remarkably good and refurbished condition in exchange for some radio work.  They were both manufactured in 1944.  Inspection of the internals found them to be in excellent condition.  There was no corrosion at the battery connections, and none of the wiring was found to be brittle or cracked.  They appeared to be all original, but it was likely that the handset cords had been replaced. After watching a few videos on these phones, I was able to test and diagnose the cause of the weak audio.  The cause was that the transmitter (the mouthpiece) was not working to its full potential.  This video provided excellent instructions on how to test these phones: WW2 EE-8 TS-9 Handset Testing and Rejuvenation Tips for Earpiece & Mouthpiece.

To order replacement parts, I simply called Steve Hilsz on the phone, at:  520-370-3267. The service was outstanding. Here is a link to his website: Phonesurplus.com.

Here is a good-looking example of an EE-8-B that is very similar to mine.  It was likely refurbished in recent decades.  These phones are impressively rugged and simple. If there is an issue, it is often the ‘receiver’ (earpiece) or the ‘transmitter’ (mouthpiece). These are available at phonesurplus.com (Steve Hilsz) for only $$3.50 for the earpiece, and $2.50 for mouthpiece (transmitter).  I purchased two sets.  Including shipping, the total was just $16.50.

It is easy to test these phones.  Simply install two standard D-sizebatteries, and operate the toggle switch to talk.  If you can hear yourself, then the phone works.  If there is any problem with the phone, I would consult with phonesurplus.com.  Steve Hilsz likely can send you the correct replacement part, or do the repair himself. These are simple devices. I am confident that I could disassemble and replace any part of these phones myself, but if sent to a technician who had the parts available, the phone could be refurbished as needed.

I found WD-1 field telephone (“commo”) wire still widely available on eBay and at a military surplus store, Army Surplus Warehouse in Idaho Falls.

Remote Transceiver Operation

I found another very interesting video.  If one could potentially be DFed, I would want to operate a transceiver remotely — and no less than 500 meters away from a base station.  Either the EE-8 or the newer TA-312 (pictured at left) could operate a transceiver from many miles away.  This demonstration shows us just how easily it can be done using most field phones and a common and inexpensive transceiver: FIELD PHONE OPS: Remoting a VOX Radio Using a TA-312.

Editors’ Prepping Progress

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make both long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug-out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year.  We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in your e-mailed letters. We post many of those — or excerpts thereof — in the Odds ‘n Sods Column or in the Snippets column. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

Jim Reports:

I did some more firewood cutting this week. I’ve also started gang-cutting the woodpiles. I got all of the Tamarack (Western Larch) cut to cookstove length, split, and stacked in the woodshed. Next, I’ll be working on gang-cutting the “assorted fir” pile.  That will all be cut to the longer heating stove length.

There have been a lot of Elk Creek Company antique gun orders in the last month. I mailed out three orders just this past week. Today, I’m starting a special 10-day sale on all our percussion guns.  Most of these are revolvers for which cartridge conversion cylinders are readily available. This includes a group of five minty Ruger Old Army revolvers that I’ve not yet photographed. Many of those are “Pre-Warning.” I also have special pricing on all of our blackpowder hunting rifles. Most of those are .50 caliber rifles in the quite practical Hawken configuration. Take a look at our Percussion category!

Now, Lily’s part of the report…

Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”